Overview & Reviews

Model-year 2002 was a defining moment for the TrailBlazer. That year saw the midsize SUV benefiting from a redesign that made it a much more competitive player in its segment. It also saw the launch of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, an extended-wheelbase version of the popular sport-utility vehicle.

The TrailBlazer EXT gave you everything a TrailBlazer did, plus an extended wheelbase and a third-row seat that enabled it to accommodate up to seven passengers. This means you benefited from all the good things offered by Chevy's best-selling midsize SUV of the time -- most notably, a long list of standard features and a cushy highway ride. Unfortunately, you also got the not-so-good things, like uninspired interior design and dull steering and handling that became restive when the road got twisty.

The breakout stars of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT's lineup were its engines. The SUV's 4.2-liter inline-6 charmed us with 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque (power jumped to 291 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque in 2006), giving it more grunt than was offered by many competing V8s. For heavy-duty towing, a 5.3-liter V8 was available that churned out 290 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque (boosted to 300 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque in 2005). With all that power underfoot, we really wanted to love the TrailBlazer EXT, but shortcomings regarding its handling and cabin kept it from fully capturing our hearts. Model-year 2006 marked the end of the line for this king-sized SUV. More information about the TrailBlazer model can be found here.

User Reviews:

• 

  Better than the Tahoe - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By imadad2 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought the extended Trailblazer because I liked the look of it better than the Tahoe. The LS version has more goodies than the base Ford SUVs, and the incentives are better than Toyota. I bought the bigger 5.3 liter V-8, and I love it. It gets only 15 MPG, but what do you expect from a SUV? My kids love the interior, and my wife can get in and out of it without needing running boards. This SUV feels like a large SUV, but it is considered a midsize. I love the handling, and love the standard features Chevrolet has put in it. Now lets see if I have any problems. It is to early yet to tell. I am a loyal Chevrolet buyer, and will continue to be.

• 

  C - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By c - August 9 - 12:43 am

  I also love this vehicle! It came loaded with useful features, and is very solid, GM have come a long way. Interior and exterior are clean and blend very well. The adjustable foot pedals, drivers steering wheel controls, DVD, 3rd row folding seats are great. There is excellent power, towing and off road capability. My wife, who is the biggest vehicle critic I know, loves this new vehicle.

• 

  2004 Chevytrailblazer Ext 4x4 - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By EZDA4 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is awesome! It handles great in all weather, especially the snow. It is a very smooth ride, all the way to the back seat. It is a great family vehicle. There is tons of space. We are very pleased with everything the Ext Trailblazer has to offer. The only negative thing I have to say is that it isnt very good on gas but that comes with buying an SUV.They did a great job on all the amenities.

• 

  I Love My 2005 TrailBlazer EXT - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Mari - June 24 - 6:03 am

  This is my first SUV, so perhaps Im biased. I just love my 2005 Trailblazer EXT. For me and my three children, it has more than enough room, rides smooth, little to no road noise, and lots of head room.

• 

  Mini-Van Never More - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By jbowen81 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  We have three kids and have historically been a mini-van family. Well the toddlers have turned into teens and the space needed to haul all there stuff has grown. The Trailblazer is just what we needed. Lots of comfort and room for the three kids , their friends and all their stuff. And with the 275 horses -- never a concern with getting up and going on the highway. We bought the DVD system which makes longer trips more fun for all. And for when we are all together, I bought a Thule roof carrier that gives us the ability to carry lots and stay comfortable. The mileage has been surprisngly good -- not much different from the vans we had. We love it!

• 

  Serious accident - 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By keith carr - June 5 - 7:06 pm

  Had a serious accident. I was hit on drivers side front tire full length of drivers side. $12000 in damage, but the good news is no injuries. No jarring inside. Nobody got a scrape or scratch or even a bruise, This thing totally protected us and there was no damage inside. I would definetly buy another one. They are fixing this one, but it gave us total protection in the accident. You cant beat that, and the damage was all cosmetic. The other car was totalled.

• 

  Poor Seat Configuration - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Demers Family - April 11 - 4:53 pm

  I hate the configuration of the second row seats. The latch system is only on the second row on the middle seat and behind the passenger seat. If you latch the infant seat behind the passenger seat you are forced to vacate the whole 3/4 bench in order to flip the seat forward to let the back seat passengers in and out of the vehicle. Also since it is a 3/4 seat that flips forward the carseat gets caught by the large seat and if the toddler has their hand in the path it gets caught by the seat flipping forward. We have only owned the vehicle two weeks and this has happened to our baby four times already. The second row needs to be redesigned for better access and easier use.

• 

  Nice to look at - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By angela - April 4 - 7:16 pm

  I am very disappointed in this SUV, Chevrolet put cheap paint on that scratches very easily (same with my Impala). I had a Hyundai for 7 years that never scratched like these cars. I have had several minor electrically issues within 6 months of owning the SUV. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable for long trips, which is why I bought a larger vehicle. For a company that is hurting you think they would offer a better warranty on their cars. Do not buy a car that their own maker cant stand behind.

• 

  TrailBlazer Review - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By dtjump - February 15 - 4:00 am

  Excellent handling, power, towing and off road capability. Superior to any import, because The Trail Blazer LT can do it all. It also has more than adequate seating room and cargo room. The top of the line leather interial is equal or better than the import competition. Quality of workmanship is clearly evident throughout the vehicle. I dont think that the automotive press gives this or anyother American made vehicle an honest appraisal, given the difference between the editors (they arent experts) and consumers (they are experts) ratings. The lack of fake wood does not equate to inferior materials. This is one of the most capable vehicles on the road or off road.

• 

  So Far So Good! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
  By Big Dog - December 31 - 1:40 pm

  Purchased as an "always wish I had one" car and ours was on the lot with all the goodies. Nav System could be a little easier to use but once you get the hang of it, its great. DVD system too and its been a suprise how often we use it with an 11 yr old. Gas mileage about what we thought, Very easy to drive and comfort is great. Have had electonics issues with the memory seats but handled well by the dealer. Very good trailer tow ability too, suspension is great.